Most pet parents know that dogs should not have chocolate, but why should they not have it, and how much does it take to be toxic? While the answers will vary depending on the size of the dog and the size of the chocolate, there is more to know than simply keeping it out of sight and reach.
The toxic component of chocolate is an alkaloid called theobromine. The chemical structure is similar to that found in caffeine. Theobromine is found in cocoa beans (and other plants and nuts in smaller concentrations, like the kola nut), and also goes by the name xantheose. Because dark chocolate is more “natural” than milk chocolate, there are larger concentrations of theobromine in dark compared to milk. White chocolate is not a significant source of theobromine. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate has one of the highest concentrations of theobromine at 450 milligrams per ounce, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Dry cocoa powder carries more than that at 800 milligrams per ounce. The Merck Veterinary Manual also states that “one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is a potentially lethal dose in dogs.”
Ingestion of chocolate and toxicity is going to depend on the size of the animal. A large dog scarfing down three M&Ms most likely won’t warrant a trip to the emergency room, but it may also depend on the sensitivity of the animal. There are some clinical signs to watch out for, but they typically don’t show up until between six and twelve hours of ingestion, so the best bet is to call the veterinarian right away and get direction on how to specifically treat the dog that has eaten a large amount of chocolate. The vet may require monitoring of certain signs, including:
Restlessness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tremors
Seizures
Excessive thirst
Hyperactivity
When a dog dies from theobromine ingestion, cardiac arrhythmia, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), or respiratory failure.
Dogs are attracted to chocolate because it smells sweet, and dog owners know that some pups will do anything to get a bite of food! Keeping chocolate out of reach is vital, especially in kitchens where those sneaky critters know how to open cupboards!
This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
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